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Stable Isotopes

Paul Scherrer Institut

CH-5232 Villigen PSI

Phone +41 56 310 21 11

Fax +41 56 310 45 25 (local)

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Updated:
11.01.2010

Sample analysis

We have stable-isotope mass-spectrometers and dedicated periphery to do the following analysis:

Organic samples ¹³C/¹²C ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ¹⁵N/¹⁴N

Water ¹⁸O/¹⁶O D/H

CO₂ ¹³C/¹²C ¹⁸O/¹⁶O

CO ¹³C/¹²C ¹⁸O/¹⁶O

CH₄ ¹³C/¹²C

Most samples analysed are from our own group or from scientific collaborations of our group with other institutions.
Upon request, we may also do analysis for other people, depending on the current sample load. For organic samples, we require the samples to be milled and packed in tin capsules before sending them to us. Students are encouraged to come to our lab to prepare the samples and see how the analysis runs.

Preparation of organic samples

Mill the samples to a fine powder (no fibers should be visible). We recommend using a ball mill (works for leaves, soil, etc.) or a centrifugal mill (for wood). See e.g. the mills produced by Retsch

Samples should be packed in tin capsules for C and N and silver capsules for O. The necessary amount depends on the isotope to be analysed and the carbon, oxygen or nitrogen content. For leaf samples or materials with similar elemental composition, the following amounts should be packed using a micro-balance:

¹³C/¹²C: 0.6-0.8 mg

¹⁸O/¹⁶O: 0.5-0.7 mg

¹⁵N/¹⁴N: 4.0-4.5 mg

Cost of the analysis

Organic samples (universities)

¹³C/¹²C: 15 Euro

¹⁸O/¹⁶O: 20 Euro

¹⁵N/¹⁴N: 15 Euro

Organic samples (commercial)

¹³C/¹²C: 50 Euro

¹⁸O/¹⁶O: 75 Euro

¹⁵N/¹⁴N: 50 Euro

For the cost of other samples or more information, contact Rolf Siegwolf or Matthias Saurer